For Ohio State students with a caffeine addiction, more changes are on the way.
Along with the expansion of Oxley’s by the Numbers, both Buck-I-Mart and JavaMaster have expansions in the works.
JavaMaster opened a second location this morning in the Ohio Union next to Wendy’s. The space used to house Café Fino.
“We think people will respond well. Business has been phenomenal in the Main Library,” said Sharon Vincent, JavaMaster general manager. “We think people will like this store because it is more a coffee-shop atmosphere than a study-type.”
The owners of Buck-I-Mart will eventually take over JavaMaster’s library location; they worked with Brenen’s Cafe to win the bid on that space.
“We’ll keep the general layout (at the library) but change some of the fixtures and the looks to look more like us.” said Isaac Lieber, owner of Buck-I-Mart.
No contracts have been signed yet, but Lieber won the bid and is planning to be set up in the library by the end of spring break.
The Ohio Union JavaMaster location offers more seating than is available in the library, as well as a larger selection of sandwiches, soups, desserts — all homemade — and coffee roasted in the store, said Olga Slivnyak, owner and operator of JavaMaster.
JavaMaster will have a selection of healthy salads, grilled paninis, soups and sushi on their expanded food menu.
JavaMaster Company spokesman Martin Higgins said it is the only coffee shop around the campus area that roasts its own coffee. A special blend can be made in 10 minutes, and customers can purchase coffee from a wall of coffee beans.
“We have a limited space at the library. Here we can do more,” Slivnyak said.
To spread word of the move, JavaMaster has posted signs throughout the library and the Ohio Union, advertised in Paper Gold magazine with coupons and has taken out ads in The Lantern. The first week they are planning grand opening specials.
“We will be giving deals on the JavaMaster travel mugs. You get the cup with coffee for only $4.99. You can’t beat that,” Slivnyak said.
JavaMaster is also building a new location in Hagerty Hall.
This location will have an international feel, and customers can listen to international news programs while they drink, Higgins said.
In a couple weeks, Buck-I-Mart will open its addition, in the old Transportation and Parking Express building.
“We are trying to accommodate the students needs. They ask for more seating,” said Lieber.
The new addition will not have an effect on the old store. Buck-I-Mart will still maintain its convenience store essence, but with an extra kick.
“We love the kids here and we want to give them the things they ask for,” said Judy Lieber, owner and OSU alumna.
